U.S. President Donald Trump was greeted by an ever-divided crowd in Kenosha on Tuesday as he visited the city of Wisconsin where the shooting of Jacob Blake took place.
Blake, a black male, was shot seven times in the back by the police in an incident on Aug 23, which deepened nationwide resentment at racial injustice. Kenosha, with a population of only 100,000, quickly spiraled into heated protests.
Prior to Trumps visit, local officials including the governor of Wisconsin had asked the president not to make the trip, fearing it would flare up tensions. Trump also made a controversial visit to the properties damaged in the protest, but not Blakes family.
On Tuesday, the crowd split into two sides on the path of the presidents motorcade. On one side, the protesters held banners and signs of "Black Lives Matter". On the other, the crowd supported the president, with many wearing red white and blue and exhibiting Trump campaign slogans.
"Keep America Great" and "Black Lives Matter", two slogans that do not conflict with each other by their literal meanings, have brought people together in Kenosha, yet also keeping them apart.
A Black Lives Matter supporter broke into tears when talking about the racial inequality issue haunting the nation.
"Theres so much hat running rampant in this country, and it kills me. Its heartbreaking. I dont want this for my children. I dont want this for our country. Make America Great Again? What? When was this country ever great for us as black people? When? Never!" said the protester.
LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/20000
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